The onset of the NFL Draft season is marked by the Senior Bowl, where some of the nation’s best players gather in Mobile, Alabama, for practices and an exhibition game, providing an opportunity to showcase their skills against top talent. For the Philadelphia Eagles, who are known for favoring Senior Bowl players in the draft, this event is particularly significant. Here are ten prospects that could capture the Eagles’ interest:
1. **Taliese Fuaga, Offensive Tackle, Oregon State:**
– A 6’6” and over 330-pound offensive tackle, Fuaga has prototypical size for both left and right tackle positions. With a strong emphasis on pass protection, he did not allow a sack throughout 2023, making him a potential heir to Lane Johnson’s right tackle spot.
2. **Laiatu Latu, Edge Defender, UCLA:**
– Arguably the best player in Mobile, Latu, a pass rusher from UCLA, possesses speed and tenacity off the edge. While adding another pass rusher might not be the highest priority for the Eagles, Latu’s skills could be enticing.
3. **Payton Wilson, Linebacker, NC State:**
– Decorated as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American in 2023, Wilson excelled as a versatile linebacker in run defense, blitzing, and coverage. Despite the Eagles typically not highly valuing linebackers, Wilson could offer an interesting upgrade.
4. **Cody Schrader, Running Back, Missouri:**
– With an unconventional running game in 2023, the Eagles might consider Schrader, a legitimate 20-carry back with proficiency in blitz pickup and receiving. Despite the Eagles’ historical tendency to undervalue running backs, Schrader could be a valuable late-day two or early-day three pick.
5. **Khyree Jackson, Cornerback, Oregon:**
– A position in need of an upgrade, cornerback is a priority for the Eagles. Jackson, with his standout physicality, transferred from Alabama to Oregon and presents an intriguing fit in Vic Fangio’s defense.
6. **Max Melton, Cornerback, Rutgers:**
– Melton, a solid presence in the Rutgers defense, brings scrappiness and fearlessness to tackling and disrupting receivers. With a physical style, he could add a tone-setting dynamic to the Eagles’ defense.
7. **Kitan Oladapo, Safety, Oregon State:**
– Safety is another area requiring attention for the Eagles, and Oladapo, with his physical and cerebral presence, stood out in an excellent Oregon State secondary. The Eagles could value his football intelligence and hard-hitting mentality.
8. **Kamren Kinchens, Safety, Miami:**
– A potential first-round prospect, Kinchens is an excellent coverage safety with the versatility to play various roles. Despite the Eagles’ historical undervaluing of safeties, recent lessons in 2023 might prompt a reconsideration.
9. **Jaheim Bell, Tight End, Florida State:**
– Considering the importance of another pass-catching tight end, especially in Dallas Goedert’s absence, Bell’s athleticism makes him an intriguing option, offering versatility in the right offensive scheme.
10. **Jacob Cowing, Wide Receiver, Arizona:**
– Addressing the WR3 position, which posed challenges for the Eagles in the previous season, Cowing stands out as an athletic receiver proficient in route running, potentially thriving as a slot receiver in Kellen Moore’s offense.